So, I decided to give that method a try, and I am super glad that I did! You should definitely go check out the tutorial; it is most certainly my {new} favourite tutorial! I loved, loved, making this cover and will definitely be making another one soon.

Here is how it turned out...

Journal Cover

Inside flaps and lining {ignore that it's a wrong way up text!}

Front cover - bad lighting

I used some Essex linen accompanied by a patchwork strip of quilting cottons.

The patchwork was an offcut from another block, so in all this project only took me about half an hour. The perfect quick fix sewing project.